Search form

NewsTuesday September 17th, 2013, 11:47am

Brady To Name Running Mate Tuesday (UPDATED)

Republican Bill Brady plans to announce his running mate in his race for Illinois governor Tuesday afternoon. Brady, who also ran for governor in 2010, is expected to name his choice for Lt. Governor in Chicago.

Following the Scott Lee Cohenfiasco in 2010, the 2014 race is the first election season when gubernatorial candidates are running with their picks for Lt. Governor.

GOP candidate Bruce Rauner has not named his running mate yet, while State Treasurer Dan Rutherford has chosen Steve Kim. Republican State Rep. Kirk Dillard (Hinsdale) announced State Rep. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) was his pick for Lt. Governor.

UPDATE 1 (2:22 p.m.): Brady has chosen Long Grove Mayor Maria Rodriguez as his running mate in his bid for Illinois governor.

“Maria will bring a fresh perspective, a new ethic and a new energy to Springfield,” Brady said in an email to supporters. “As a local government executive for eight years, she has a keen knowledge of the challenges facing communities throughout Illinois. Working with her husband in small business, she knows firsthand the effects that Illinois’ high taxes and overregulation have on attracting and maintaining small business jobs.”

“For 10 years, the Democrat administrations have put up roadblocks to building strong businesses and strong communities in Illinois. Together, we will set a new agenda for Illinois and chart a new direction toward greater financial security for our communities, for our state and for Illinois families,” Brady continued.

Rodriguez has served as Long Grove mayor for two terms. She lost a bid for the 14th congressional district rep spot back in 2010 in the GOP primary race against former congressman Joe Walsh. Rodriguez says its time for new leadership in Springfield.

“We have the infrastructure, the resources, and most of all that Midwestern heart and work ethic to become a magnet state for business and commerce,” she said. “What we don’t have is leadership. It is time to toss aside those so-called leaders who continue to force us to accept the ‘new normal’ of second-best and reclaim what is rightfully ours. It is time to put the people back in charge of Illinois.”